A/N: Hello again! I apologize for the mess I have caused with this story and thank those readers who have stuck through me it anyway.

So here is the corrected chapter 10!

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Chapter 10

The next morning, Hermione awoke with a start after she realized she slept late and hurried down to the Entrance Hall to say good bye to her friends. As she pushed her way through the crowd of students, Hermione finally located Harry and Ginny but Ron was no where to be found.

"We were beginning to think you weren't going to show this morning", Harry said with a smile as he put his arms around her.

Hermione hugged him back, "I'm sorry. I accidentally slept over." They each pulled away and Hermione turned to Ginny next and hugged the red head. "I'm going to miss you guys."

"We're going to miss you too, Hermione. Christmas won't be as fun without you at the Burrow." Ginny said as she pulled away.

"I know but there'll be so much going on you'll be ok", she replied with a half smile. She glanced around again for Ron. Not because she really wanted to see him but was curious to see he wasn't there.

Harry picked up on who she was looking for, "He's already gone to the train to get us seats."

"Oh ok. Well, just tell him bye for me then. You guys better get going before you miss the train." Hermione gave them another quick hug, "Have a Happy Christmas and I'll see you when you return."

Harry and Ginny picked up their bags, waved good bye and followed the rest of the students outside in the cold. Hermione remained in her spot as she watched them leave. Once they were through the giant doors and out of site made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast. The Hall was quiet since the majority of the students had left. There were about fifteen students altogether and they were all seated at one table. The other three tables were pushed against the wall since there was no use for them.

Hermione placed some food onto a plate and sat away from the other students. Not too long after she sat down, someone joined her on the opposite side of the table. She slowly raised her head to find Draco.

"Good morning", he greeted with a cheery tone.

"Mornin", Hermione replied unenthusiastically and returned to eating her eggs.

Draco continued like there were no harsh feelings between them, "So what are your plans for today?"

"Nothing really, why do you ask?" she asked eyeing him suspiciously.

"I was just wondering because I wanted to know if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me", Hermione gave him a questioning look so he added, "so we can get to know each other for the thing."

"I thought you didn't believe in it."

"Well, I thought about it after you left and it does make sense. And you're right about Dumbledore; he wouldn't joke about something like this."

Hermione stared at Draco not completely satisfied with his answer. But he could actually mean it and she didn't want to sit in her room or the library all day by herself. "I guess I can go with you. I don't have anything better to do. But how are we going to leave? We can't just waltz down to Hogsmeade."

Draco smirked as he reached into his pocket and extracted a piece of parchment and handed it to Hermione. "I got Snape to write a note for me giving us permission." Hermione read the note and was surprised. She returned the note to him and he put it back into his pocket.

"Excellent, so would you want to go after we eat?"

"Sure that sounds good. But I need to go to my room and get my money and change. I didn't intend on leaving the castle today."

"Oh don't worry about money. I'll pay for everything."

Hermione starred at the blonde in disbelief, "What are you playing at?"

"Nothing Hermione, I'm trying to be friendly that's all. So stop pushing me away."

"Old habits die hard."

Draco sighed, he figured she would react like this, "Look at me. I've changed a lot since the summer."

"And so have I. It's harder for me to trust people, especially those who have treated me like shit for the past six years. All I see this as is a treat or game you're playing with me."

"Can't we just put the past behind us? I'm trying, can you?" he pleaded.

Hermione gazed into his eyes and saw he wasn't lying. She couldn't believe what she was going to say and hoped it wouldn't blow up in her face, "I can try."

"Wonderful." Draco couldn't help but smile, a real smile and he didn't try to hide it either.

The two continued to eat in silence. Once they finished, they returned to their rooms to change into weather appropriate clothing and met in the common room. Draco and Hermione walked down to the Entrance together, again in silence because they didn't know what to say. As they reached, they were greeted with the sight of Filch at the doors. He glared at the pair as they neared him.

"And where might you two be headed?"

"To Hogsmeade." Draco replied.

"No students are allowed there today, even the Head Boy and Girl."

"Oh, but we have permission from Professor Snape." Draco retrieved the note from his pocket and handed it to the caretaker.

Filch read the note and handed it back to Draco and replied bitterly, "Go ahead."

The two continued on their way to the village below. The small village looked so beautiful and peaceful covered in snow. As they reached the streets, Hermione finally broke the silence.

"This just feels so weird."

Draco glanced over to her, "What do you mean?" he asked.

"It's weird spending the day with you and in Hogsmeade. Doesn't it feel that way to you?"

Draco shrugged his shoulders, "A little I guess."

"I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude or anything. This is the first time I've been here without a friend."

"Well, hopefully I will be considered a friend soon."

Hermione laughed, "Only if you're lucky and don't act like the arse you used to be. The new you is going to take some getting used to."

"I understand completely. I'm still trying to get used to the new me. I'm sure my father is rolling in his grave right now," Draco replied as he glanced at a shop window as they passed.

"Are you…happy your father is dead?" Hermione asked.

Draco turned his full attention back to Hermione, "Yes, I am. You don't understand what my life was like growing up with him."

"I'm interested to hear about it."

"Maybe another time. It's a serious mood killer. Plus, I'm not too open to sharing it. It's nothing against you I've just never told anyone about it before."

"That's ok. I understand."

In attempt to change the subject, Draco asked, "What are your parents like?"

"Oh they are dentists, which are like teeth doctors. They make good money at it. We're not a rich family but a little bit above average I would say. They loved traveling and go places. We usually go to France; it's my favorite place in the whole world."

"My family traveled as well. We went to various places though I don't have a favorite. But it stopped fourth year. The trips were fun while they lasted."

"Normally when I go home over Christmas break, we go skiing."

"What is that?"

"It's a Muggle sport where you strap a thin piece of wood to each of your feet and you hold onto long sticks that go into the snow. You start at the top of a snowy mountain and slid down it to the bottom. It's really fun."

Draco started at Hermione still confused. "That's supposed to be fun?"

"It's better than how I described it. It's something you have to experience for yourself."

"I'll take your word for it then. Why didn't you go with them this year?"

"I guess they figured I was going to the Burrow to be with my friends. They still think Ron and me are together. I haven't gotten the strength to tell them other wise. I also can't think of a way to tell them without them becoming too upset."

"You could just say you broke up and that's all."

"That's what he told his parents and I don't think they believe it was that simple. I'm going to tell them eventually."

Draco could sense that she wanted to drop the subject so he said nothing more on the matter. Soon there was a, awkward silence again. They continued to walk through the streets, passing people who were finishing their last minute Christmas shopping. They made stops it different shops to look around in and warm up before going back into the cold. Neither one of them were interested in buying anything until they arrived at Honeydukes. Draco stayed true to his word of paying for everything. The paired bought several bags full if various sweets. As they exited the shop, snow began to fall.

"Want to go to the Three Broomsticks?" asked Draco.

"Yes that sounds good."

They weren't the only one who thought The Three Broomsticks was a good idea. Luckily they were able away from the other customers. Draco went up to the bar and ordered a couple of Butter beers for them. A minute later, he returned placing a mug in front of her. Hermione was grateful to have something to distract herself with so she didn't have to just stare at Draco. Draco barely touched his drink as he drummed his fingers on the table trying to think of a save topic to discuss. He soon realized that he knew nothing about her at all. He decided to ask her the first question that popped into his head, "So, Hermione, what's your favorite color?" As the words left his lips he cursed himself for asking stuff a dumb question.

"Um", Hermione replied as she cleared her throat. She was not expecting that question. "I would have to say blue. What about you?"

"Red."

"Really? I though it would be green."

"Draco laughed, "Most do. I like the color but it's not my favorite. Just because I'm Slytherin doesn't make green my favorite. I like red because it means strength and power."

"Interesting", Hermione said. She decided to keep the questioning going and asked, "What's your favorite animal?"

"Wolf. You?"

"It's a hard decision. I love cats but they aren't really my favorite. I'll have to get back to you on that one", she answered with a little smile on her face.

"Ok then", Draco ran through different things in his mind, "favorite season?"

"Spring, I love the flowers. Yours?"

"Winter. I live the cold and the dead look of everything but how beautiful it can be at the same time, especially after it has snowed."

Hermione was surprised his answer but did agree with him on it. "The snow does make everything beautiful."

Draco laughed, "We agree on something. Who would have thought!"

"It was bound to happen eventually."

"So what do you like to do, besides reading and school work?"

"Is that all people think I do?"

"Yeah, pretty much. It's all anyone sees you doing. That is why I'm asking."

"Well, I hand out with my friends and do…things."

"Such as?"

Hermione sighed and looked down at her hands that were folded in her lap, "Nothing."

"Your life can't be that boring", he said trying to make her feel better.

"Yeah it is, especially since I haven't gotten to see my friends that much so far this term."

"We're going to change that, starting today. You need to enjoy life while you have it. Life's too short."

"Then what do you do for fun?"

"You know what I like to do, but I don't remember all of their names…" Draco replied with a smirk and wiggled his eyebrows.

Hermione raised one eyebrow at him.

"I'm kidding Hermione. You need to learn to take a joke. Let's see, recently I've been doing a lot of reading."

"I've noticed you haven't hung out with your Slytherin friends as much. Why is that?"

"Because I don't want to hang out with them. I never liked Crabbe and Goyle. It if wasn't for my father being friends with their fathers I wouldn't have been with them in the first place. Zabini isn't so bad though, he's the only one I actually like. Lately I've wanted to be alone. Pansy has been the hardest to avoid."

"That's a surprise. I thought you two some kind of item?"

"Nah, I just used her. Don't look at me like that. I never really liked her but she's in love with me. She started it all. I'm a guy and if a girl throws herself at me, it's kind of hard to ignore."

"But you had her in your room not too long ago, and now you're saying you want to be away from her? That doesn't make much sense."

"Like I said, I used her. I needed her to help me get over…someone, but it didn't work. It actually only made everything worse."

"Its still wrong, Draco. You shouldn't do that to a girl, no matter who she is. It can really mess them up."

"She was messed up before I met her. But I know what you mean; she's really attached to me even more now."

"It sucks to be you. Maybe you should tell her that you have no feelings for whatsoever."

Draco took a swig of his butter beer, "That's not going to work. I tried it already." He glanced up at the clock on the wall and saw that it was after lunch. "Damn, we missed lunch back at school."

"Then what do you propose we do?" Hermione asked.

"How about we order some lunch here then head back?"

"Sure, I didn't even realize I was hungry until you just mentioned it."

They both ordered food and continued asking each other questions. Neither one of them would admit it to the other, but they were really enjoying getting to know each other. Once they finished their lunch, they gathered their bags and finally headed back to the castle. This time it wasn't a quiet journey. They talked and laughed all the way back.

Hermione definitely didn't imagine having such a fun day with Draco Malfoy. She now actually enjoyed his company which was still mind blowing to her. If someone had told her a month prior that she and Draco would start becoming friends she wouldn't have believed them for a second. Hermione never realized there was so much more to the blonde walking beside her. One summer had changed him in so many ways, for the better of course, but she could tell he still had demons he was wrestling with. She has reflected on how much she had changed. She agreed to spend the day with Draco. She wondered what her friends would think if they knew. But she didn't care or intend on telling them. She was entitled to have a life without them. It's not like she was going to date Draco, they were just friends.

They finally arrived at the castle and entered into the Entrance Hall. The entire castle was quiet as they made their way to their common room. Instead of going to their separate rooms upon arriving, they sat down on the couch together. Draco lit a fire in the fireplace and Hermione started going through the Honeydukes bag.

"Just got back from lunch and you're already going after the sweets?" Draco said in a joking tone.

"I just want a little something to eat. What would be the point in buying the candy if we aren't going to eat it?"

Draco laughed and pulled the other bag to him and he dug around in it as well.

For the rest of the afternoon, the two conversed about everything and ate their sweets. It was a wonderful way to end the unexpected good day.

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A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. I'm going to start working on revising previous chapters and re-uploading them so check back on them soon. I've already gotten the first four chapters done and up! I don't plan on changing them around too much just adding some more details here and there. I'll try and have Chapter 11 up as soon as I get the time. Please review I want to know what you think